Ways To Support Our Elderly Family

*This is a collaborative post but all thoughts on ways to support our elderly family are my own

Looking after or offering to support our elderly family, or neighbours can be challenging. Especially during the current time when they may not be able to get out of the house. But that’s even more of a reason why they may need support. Everybody has their own set of circumstances and this will depend on what support they need. Maybe they have mobility issues and need support with a powered wheelchair like these from Fenetic Wellbeing . Or maybe it’s more about the emotional support of having someone to talk to. Here are some ways to support our elderly family.

Keep them talking

A lot of older people tend to be lonely. Their families have all flown the nest, and while you may see them most months or weeks that doesn’t stop the loneliness. Especially if they live alone. An easy way we can support our elderly relatives is to communicate with them and keep them talking. A quick 10-minute phone call might not mean much to you. But to them it could be the highlight of their way.

Support our elderly relatives with getting anything they may need

Even if their mobility hasn’t suffered elderly people may struggle to get things for themselves. While they may enjoy going to the supermarket for their weekly shop. Or they may get an online delivery. They may need help with other things, and you might even consider getting them into a facility like the birches at concord, or ones more local.

Perhaps they need some larger or heavier items. Or there’s something they can’t find in the shop that you can order online for them. We take for granted how easy it is to pop onto Amazon and in a few clicks buy pretty much anything we need. Offer your services to support our elderly relatives if they need you to order anything. I do this for my Nan and Auntie quite a bit as you can get the items delivered directly to their door.

Hire them some help if they need it

Whether it’s a cleaner to do a weekly clean of the house or someone to pop in and help support them don’t be afraid to ask for help. While you may feel responsible for your relatives there’s only so much you can do. And if they need an extra helping hand or longer-term support don’t be afraid to hire someone in.

Not only will the hired help be useful to your relative but it gives someone a job, and will provide some communication and companionship for your relative.

Additionally, consider providing your relatives with tools that can improve their safety and independence. For example, if they live alone, having help and proper medical systems in place can provide them peace of mind. In situations where they might say, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up”, having immediate access to assistance can be beneficial. This can ensure that your loved ones are well-cared for, even when you can’t be there.

Support your elderly relatives by giving them something to do

I can’t even imagine how boring it can get when you’re older and can’t get out as much. Lockdown has shown most of us that we need hobbies, and being older doesn’t change that. Maybe your gran loves a good crossword, or maybe she’d love to take up knitting again. Get some things for your relatives to occupy their time with.

It might be setting them up on your Netflix account and patiently showing them how to use it if they love movies. Or maybe doing an online spree of crafting supplies so they can take up a new project. Not only will it keep them occupied, but it will keep their mind thinking and ticking along.

Have do you support your elderly relatives or neighbours?